Recorded in several spelling forms including MacGibbon, McGibbon, MacKibbon, McKibbin, McKiddin, and sometimes as Gibbon, Gibben and Gibbin, this surname when recorded without the Gaelic 'Mac' may be either Scottish or English, but in anycase is ultimately of French origins. It derives from the personal name 'Gilbert' from the pre 8th century a.d., many holders of the name being members of William, The Conqueror's, army of 1066. In the 12th century a Norman knight called 'Gilbertus' was granted lands in Scotland, and it is probably from him that the later Scots nameholders descend. The development of the name to the short or nickname form of 'Gib' was one of the medieval developments, and at first it was popularized both as Gibb and Gibson, during the early era of the establisment of surnames. The first known recording of the Gaelic is probably that of Donald McGybsone of Ballemuling, Tiree, in 1455, whilst Donald M'Gybbon was the sherrif to Duncan, lord of Inneryn, in 1511. Thomas Makgibbon who was possibly this first of the McKibbon variants was a minister at Monydie, in 1574. Robert Finlay McGibbon was fined in 1613 for aiding and abetting the outlawed Clan MacGregor. He was lucky to escape a more permanent capital punishment.

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